Drain pipe, water issues at animal shelter

January 9, 2014

ESCANABA - The Delta Animal Shelter is looking for help from the community after drain pipe and water issues at the facility.

According to Delta Animal Shelter Manager Sue Gartland, a likely drain pipe collapse to the shelter's septic system over the weekend left the shelter with backed-up drains.

The shelter consulted with a local drain and a septic service company earlier this week, which both confirmed this was likely the issue.

The facility is also currently without water, likely due to frozen lines. As of yesterday, the water was completely shut off, cutting off restroom and laundry use at the shelter; a portable toilet has since been used until water is restored.

Gartland said staff first noticed the problem a few weeks ago, when water shut off and turned back on. They have since alerted the county, who owns the building, to both issues.

Due to the drain and water issues, the Delta Animal Shelter is asking for help from the community in the form of jug water, bottled water, empty jug containers filled with water, or thermos containers for use until the problem is fixed.

They also are in need of monetary donations (rolls of quarters) for them to do laundry at the laundromat as well as sanitizing wipes.

Despite the issue, Gartland said she is thankful the facility still has heat and electricity.

"The animals have food, beds, the water that we're transporting in here, and love so they're doing OK," she said.